Frequently Asked Questions – Korea

Who are the partner institutions in South Korea affiliated with Study in Asia?

Study in Asia proudly partners with top-ranked universities and language schools in Korea:

Universities

  • Woosong University
  • Endicott College of International Studies (at Woosong University)
  • SolBridge International School of Business (at Woosong University)
  • JW Kim College
  • Ajou University
  • Hanyang University ERICA Campus
  • Chungwon University
  • Seoul National University of Science and Technology
  • Gachon University
  • Sejong University
  • Konkuk University
  • Seokyung University

Language Schools

  • Dongguk Institute of Korean Language
  • Green Language School
  • HanGru Language School

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What types of institutions can international students apply to in Korea?

  1. Universities – Offer undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs
  2. Junior Colleges – 2- to 3-year vocational degrees
  3. Language Institutes – Korean language training at universities or private academies

What languages are programs taught in?

  • Most university programs are taught in Korean
  • However, there is a growing number of English-taught programs, especially in international studies, business, and engineering
  • For Korean-taught programs, TOPIK level 3 or 4 is often required

For English-taught programs, students must submit English proficiency scores

What are the English language proficiency requirements?

For English-taught programs, students typically need one of the following:

TestMinimum Score (Undergraduate)Minimum Score (Graduate)
TOEFL iBT71–8080–100+
IELTS Academic5.5–6.06.0–6.5+
Duolingo English Test90–105105–120+
TOEIC700+750+

Exact scores depend on the university and program. Some schools may waive English tests for students from English-speaking countries.

What are the general admission requirements?

For Undergraduate Programs:

  • Completion of 12 years of schooling
  • Academic transcripts
  • Language proficiency (TOPIK or English test depending on program)
  • Application form, personal statement, and recommendation letters
  • Valid passport and ID documents
  • Proof of finances (bank certificate or sponsor’s affidavit)

For Graduate Programs:

  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
  • Official transcripts and graduation certificate
  • Research proposal or study plan
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Language proficiency (TOPIK or English test)
  • Resume or CV

For Language Schools:

Applicants must typically meet the following:

  • Completed high school education (12 years of formal education) – not a mandatory requirement as some of our language school partners accept students below 18 yrs old
  • Basic English or Korean ability (interview may be required)
  • Submit:
    • Valid passport
    • High school diploma and transcripts
    • Financial proof (bank statement showing around USD $10,000 or more)
    • Application form and photos
  • Korean language programs have intakes in March, June, September, and December. Many offer 10-week terms and flexible durations.

When are the application periods?

  • March (Spring) intake – Apply by October–December
  • September (Fall) intake – Apply by April–June
  • Language schools have quarterly intakes, so students can start more flexibly

What standardized exams are required?

  • For Korean-taught programs, students must usually take the TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean)
    • Most schools require TOPIK Level 3 or 4 for undergrad
    • Graduate programs may require TOPIK Level 4–5
  • For English-taught programs, students submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores
  • Some top universities may require additional interviews or internal tests

Are scholarships available for international students?

Yes! There are generous scholarship opportunities:

  • Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) – Full government scholarship covering tuition, airfare, and stipend
  • University Scholarships – Many offer tuition waivers (30–100%) based on academic merit or language scores
  • Private Foundation Scholarships – Available through specific universities or Korean cultural organizations

What are the tuition and living costs?

CategoryEstimated Cost
Tuition (Bachelor’s)₩4,000,000 – ₩8,000,000/year (~USD $3,000–$6,000)
Korean Language School₩1,200,000 – ₩2,000,000/term (~USD $900–$1,500)
Living Expenses₩600,000 – ₩1,000,000/month (~USD $450–$750)

Many schools offer on-campus dormitories, reducing housing costs significantly.

Can international students work part-time while studying?

Yes, students can:

  • Work up to 20 hours per week during the semester
  • Work unlimited hours during school breaks
  • Must be on a D-2 (degree) or D-4 (language study) visa
  • Must obtain part-time work permission from immigration after 6 months of study (for D-4 visa)

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How does the student visa process work?

  1. Apply and get accepted by the school
  2. Receive Certificate of Admission (CoA)
  3. Prepare required documents including:
    • Application form
    • CoA
    • Passport
    • Financial statement
    • Visa fee
  4. Submit application to the Korean embassy/consulate for a D-2 (degree) or D-4 (language) visa

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Can students stay in Korea after graduation?

Yes! Korea encourages talented international students to stay through:

  • Job-seeking visa (D-10) – Valid up to 6 months to search for employment
  • Work visas (E-7, etc.) – For those employed in technical or professional fields
  • Graduate study – Continue to a master’s or doctoral program

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What are the top student cities in South Korea?

  • Seoul – Korea’s capital, home to most major universities and tech/startup scenes
  • Daejeon – Hub for science and international universities like Woosong
  • Suwon/Incheon – Close to Seoul but more affordable
  • Daegu/Busan – Great regional cities with excellent schools and lifestyle
  • Cheongju/Chungju – Quieter student cities with more immersive cultural experiences

Why should students choose South Korea as a study destination?

  • Cutting-edge technology and global university rankings
  • Affordable tuition and high scholarship availability
  • Unique culture, lifestyle, and modern living
  • Safe, efficient, and friendly environment for international students
  • Strong K-pop, K-drama, fashion, and digital content culture

Provided by Study in Asia – Your Trusted Partner for Education in Korea